A friend of mine shared a quote from the writer of the infamous song, Amazing Grace. This writer of one of the most well-known hymns made a statement that is churning within the depths of my soul.
It has been burning within me over the past couple of years to bring people to a place of friendship with our Father. I have always loved God. I have always sought to make Him known. I have not been perfect but within me there was a burden to reveal Christ and the heart of our Father. I’ve done the religious duty. I’ve performed the countless acts of service. I’ve done what is expected of me. My challenge to myself and to those around me is to Go Beyond The Expected!
One of my favorite scripture quotes is found in John 15.15 Jesus says, No longer do I call you servants…but I call you friends…”.
My friend, its time we go past what is expected. A servant does the minimum. A servant does not know the heart of the Master. A servant is only there for the paycheck. How many times have I heard the statement coming not only from people in the church but also from the pulpit, “What’s in it for me?”. We may not say it directly but how many sermons have you heard that focussed more on what you reap than what you sow? Whether we like it or not, it’s not about the giving, its about a heart that hears the matter from the Father’s heart and responds with simple obedience.
Back to the quote from John Newton…he said, “The more you know him, the better you will trust him; the more you trust him, the better you will love him; the more you love him, the better you will serve him.” We have it backwards. We think serving means loving. Not always so. I serve because I love. I love because I trust. I trust because I know. How does this happen? It happens because I am a friend of Christ. A friend has intimate details of the master. I know His heart because I know Him.
Friend, move today out of the expected…out of the ordinary…out of the bondage. Go beyond the expected into a life of knowing Him…intimately. This will take place as you spend more time at His feet. Hear His heart beat for you! KNOW HIM
The Balm of Gilead 
wow this is awesome. I’m so moved by this expression. so many times we don’t hear the neccessary crying out to know Jesus more and ourselves less. I love this a complete desire to abandon self and submit the heart to everything that is Him. I’ve been pondering these words and still feel short of words that would even touch the thoughts or emotions. I continue to ponder this and hope.to examine all of me and to reach a.place to express what needs to be realized. thanks for sharing. I pray for all my life to reflect His Glory. amen
Rebecca, you are so right. I’m reminded of the saying “Be the moon…reflect the sun (or Son).” I can’t show myself because without Him I am so broken and lifeless. Keep looking to Him and you will find the place of knowing Him.